The once beautiful cities of Tanis lie in ruins as Separatist forces have savagely bombarded the planet. 







Having escaped the remains of a forward command post, a pair of Republic troops find themselves behind enemy lines.







"Here come a couple more of them," trooper Racker says to his commanding officer amidst the pouring rain.







The two battle hardened troops then patiently wait for the droids to pass them.







"Alright," the officer says once the droids have passed by.







"Just here for a few days and we're already stuck in a rat hole," Racker shakes his head in frustration as his commanding officer removes his helmet.

"I know.  But if we stick our heads out now with all these droids around, it would be suicide," Rykrof tells him.







"And trust me; this planet is the last place I want to be," he says as he worries for the safety of his closest friends; Freelo and Kala Mly Shundi.








Far across the galaxy, the Republic capital of Coruscant is a blaze of light and sparkling colors, seemingly untouched by the war itself.







Deep with the Pojer District, an unexpected visitor has arrived at the Republic Interrogation Sector...







Pulled from his cell, Traedon Cusiro is surprised to be face to face with Senator Tame Heem, a close friend of Rykrof Enloe.

"Hello, Traedon," Senator Tame Heem greets him.







"The last time we met was just prior to Rykrof's capture by Badoo Corba terrorists.  How ironic it is that you are now the one behind bars."

"Whatever you came here for, you're wasting your time," the prisoner snaps at the Ithorian.







"And I never did anything to Rykrof," Traedon points out.
"In fact, I could have killed him on Naboo but I chose not too."






"Yes, I know what happened with your attempt to assassinate Senator Amidala," Tame says as Traedon briefly turns away from him.
"But it is now clear that Viceroy Nute Gunray was behind it," he continues as he attempts to gain the man's trust.








"It doesn't take a genius to connect dots that big," Traedon smirks.

"But there are more dots that need to be connected yet," Tame tells him.  "Rykrof now asks for your help.  The Separatists have captured Freelo."







"He's probably dead by now," Traedon laughs briefly. 
"Unless..." he pauses as he thinks about the situation.







"Finding the Badoo Corba is your best bet of saving Freelo," Traedon tells him.
"Because knowing the Viceroy, he's afraid the Badoo Corba will strike against him if he doesn't offer some sort of compensation for the losses the Badoo Corba suffered on Naboo... and they'd love to get their hands on someone close to Rykrof."






"I see," Tame says as he recalls that the relationship between the two organizations had been shaky since the death of Trigg Fuuda; the former leader of the Badoo Corba.
"But what was the original compensation for the assignment on Naboo?" Tame asks.







"I can't help you with that.  Whatever the Separatists were giving the Badoo Corba, it wasn't the monetary funds that bounty hunters usually get.
Probably material resources, something to help them strike the Republic," Traedon tells him.







"Thank you for this information," Tame says as he leaves the prison lobby with his escort.
"These details must be given to Rykrof at once."







"Say hello to my friends for me," Traedon grumbles sarcastically as he is escorted back to his cell.







Deep in the Outer Rim a lone shuttle breaks away from the Separatist Fleet.







Since the battle on Rhen Var, Freelo has found himself in and out of consciousness as an uncontrollable drowsiness has enveloped him.







Eventually his head begins to clear, and he wearily stumbles to his feet.







"What's happening?" he wonders aloud.







"Where's Rykrof?"







"...I must have been out for a while," Freelo mumbles as he finds the hatch behind him to be locked.







The Mon Calamari's attention is then directed toward the other side of the cargo hold...







...as he realizes an astromech droid occupies the room as well.







"Excuse me," he says to the droid. 







The astromech beeps a rude adjective at him in response.







"What was that for?" Freelo asks. 
"I was merely going to ask a simple..."







"Huh?" Freelo gasps as he hears a door open from behind him.







"You're awake," Neimoidian General Snodd growls.
"The injection administered to you should have only rendered you useless for a short time.   You must have an unfit body to have been subdued for so long."







"Oh no!" Freelo exclaims as his abduction on Rhen Var emerges back into his memory.
"I'm a prisoner!" 







"No, you are a bargaining chip," Snodd laughs.
"Only after you are delivered to a business partner will you be considered a prisoner."






"You can't do this to me," Freelo insists.
"I'm a scientist!"







"See to it that this idiot remains in the cargo bay," Snodd orders his guard.







"If he causes any problems, the Badoo Corba will have to settle for his corpse."







With Freelo helplessly realizing his fate, the shuttle continues its journey...







Meanwhile, on Cato Neimoidia, Trade Federation Viceroy Nute Gunray meets with an aid inside a protected vault located deep within the landscape.







"This is getting out of hand," Nute Gunray says frantically to Kushra Mobines. 
"We are losing the war.  The Republic is even on the brink of striking our home world!"







In his haste to persuade his aid that the war is lost, the Viceroy is unaware that he is being watched.







"I'm disappointed in you, Viceroy," the political leader of the Separatists, Count Dooku says as he enters the chamber alongside the towering military leader of the droid army; General Grievous.







"Count Dooku!" Gunray replies with a slight tremble in his voice.
"I have received more bad news in the war effort.  General Grievous must be removed from his command at once!"   







"Insubordination will not be tolerated!" the cyborg growls.








"Indeed the Republic has taken advantage of their position," Dooku replies in an attempt to ease the tension.
"But for each hardship we have suffered, the Republic losses are equally  substantial."







"And I can assure you, everything is proceeding exactly as planned," he tells him.







"But the losses of Commanders Durge and Ventress..." Gunray pleads nervously.







"...Are offset by even greater losses the Jedi have taken," the Sith Lord explains.







"Viceroy, let us discuss your relationship with the Badoo Corba," Dooku then says, changing the subject entirely.







"Relationship?" Gunray asks defensively. 
"My dealings with them have been business matters only!"







"I know all about your dealings with them to eliminate Senator Amidala," Dooku tells him.
"It is time the relationship ends entirely."







"General Snodd has orders to rendezvous with the special shipment the Badoo Corba are demanding for their part in your agreement," General Grievous adds.







"Shipment?" Gunray asks.  "What shipment?"
"General Snodd is delivering a prisoner they want instead because they didn't fulfill the requirements of the job!"







"Viceroy, these terrorists do not accept insulting payments lightly," Dooku tells him.
"We will see to it they are accommodated appropriately."







The following day, Jedi Masters Bassius and Redwind continue their search for fallen Jedi Kala Mly Shundi on Braatos VII, the only hospitable planet in a small system that has remained neutral during the Clone Wars.







"He's here," Bassius says to his friend as he opens his senses to the Force.
"Closer than I thought."







"I feel a great disturbance here," Redwind remarks.
"The Kala I am sensing is not the one I so fondly remember... only a shadowy reflection of him."







A pair of merchants then see the two Jedi approaching and prepare to deliver a tempting sales pitch.







"Chroo-bra-neep vee say?" the Quarren vendor asks greedily to the pair.







"No, we do not need any additional supplies," Bassius replies kindly.







"Booka lo miken so vee tuu bay," the Snivvian then interjects as he attempts to persuade the Jedi to purchase a fresh Braatoosian fruit squash.







"Fruit squash?" Redwind asks. 
"Yes, I'm sure it is delicious," he says with a smile to the persistent dealer.








"Chaas boov pipo mo nopo," the Quarren then says with bewilderment.
"Ka joon tuu Jeeedi!"








"Ban so Jedi." Bassius tells him.








"He realizes we are Jedi... and says this planet is doomed," Bassius informs Redwind.
"Because if there are three Jedi on Braatos VII, the war can not be far behind."

"They must have seen Kala then," Redwind points out.







"Mano vee mo nito?" Bassius asks the Quarren.







"Greeeeark!!!" the Florn Lamprey companion to the vendors suddenly shrieks as it motions toward the western sky.







High above their position, the distinct outline of a Republic Assault Cruiser has come into view.








"Why would Coruscant send an assault ship to this sector?" Bassius asks Redwind.








"Amad Jeeedi bo faas sibbo leepa!" the Quarren shouts.








"Something feels terribly wrong," Redwind says.

Throughout the galaxy, the Clone Wars continue as the Grand Army of the Republic begins to gain ground in the war...







...but the armies of the Confederacy of Independent Systems continue to strike back!






Back at the center of the Republic, night falls on the Senatorial District on Coruscant...







But determined to uncover the reason for Kala Mly Shundi's betrayal, Rykrof Enloe attempts to meet with the senior members of the Jedi Order.







"I'm sorry," Jedi Master Ki Adi Mundi informs Rykrof.
"But as I told you, the Council will not be in session for the next 48 hours.  You should go to your quarters; get some sleep." 







"This is a very urgent matter," Rykrof pleads. 
"I need to speak with them at once regarding Master Shundi before I am deployed."







"Rykrof, we share your concern for Kala.  But the Council will deal with this matter internally," Mundi insists.







"But I will certainly keep you updated on the situation," the Jedi continues.







"I understand," Rykrof replies under his breath. 
"I'll contact you after we take back Rhen Var."







"May the Force be with you in the assault, Rykrof.  Reports are that the Separatist force on Rhen Var is strong." Ki Adi Mundi cautions. 







"Told you I did," Master Yoda says once Rykrof is gone. 
"Strong loyalties he has."







"Yes, a good friend he is to Master Shundi," Ki Adi Mundi agrees.







"Clouded their destiny is," the Senior Jedi says as he closes his eyes.







Coruscant never sleeps, as beings conduct business during all hours of the night.







And after departing the temple, Rykrof decides to clear his head by walking back to his personal quarters.







But right away, an eerie feeling comes over him...







...and he realizes that he is being followed.







Rykrof continues to walk in the direction of his personal quarters, and devises a plan to gain the upper hand...







...knowing full well he is still a prime target of the Badoo Corba.







The mysterious stranger follows Rykrof's path briskly to keep up with the Republic Commander.







And approaches an alley Rykrof has just entered...







But as he rounds the corner, Rykrof is nowhere in sight!







"Stop right there," Rykrof says as he points his blaster at the pursuer.







With amazing speed, the man quickly takes control of the situation; hurling Rykrof into an adjacent wall!







Rykrof then struggles to reach for his weapon...







"Stop!" an older Sullustan then frantically shouts.







"Jedi," Rykrof groans as he rubs feeling back into his arm. 
"What is the meaning of this?"







"We need to speak with you privately," the man who followed Rykrof says.







"You have one hell of a way of arranging meetings," Rykrof replies sarcastically after getting back onto his feet.







"We did not mean to startle you," the Sullustan says kindly.
"My name is Jedi Master Bassius Tulo..."







"...and it appears you and Master Redwind have already met."







"Alright, now that we're all friends, what do you want?" Rykrof asks suspiciously.







"To help a mutual friend.  Kala Mly Shundi has turned to the Dark Side of the Force," Redwind boldly says.







"Kala is loyal to you," Bassius tells Rykrof. 
"We are going to bring him back to the light.  We would like for you to accompany us."







"Go with you?  I'm afraid that's out of the question," Rykrof tells them. 
"I'm leaving shortly to lead the 334th's assault on Rhen Var."







"Resign your post," Redwind retorts. 







"Resign my post?" Rykrof laughs as he turns back to Bassius.
"Has the Jedi Order even sanctioned this mission you're proposing?"







"No.  They know nothing of our intentions," Bassius admits.







"I wish you every bit of success on your mission but I can't be part of this," Rykrof tells him. 
"I have a commitment to the Republic.  My place is with my men... if I were to abandon my post, that would be directly disobeying the Supreme Chancellor."







"I understand," Bassius says sadly.  "But before we go, there is something you must know."

"I'm listening," Rykrof replies.







"The reason Kala has always been loyal to you goes back around the time you were born," the Jedi tells him.

"What do you mean?" Rykrof inquires.







Redwind then gives Bassius a sharp look, as if warning him to not say any more.
"I should speak of this no further," Master Tulo then replies.







Rykrof then steps closer to Bassius.
"I insist."







"From what I understand, your father has never told you about your mother," he relents.

"What does she have to do with anything?  She died soon after I was born," Rykrof tells him.







"True, fourteen months after you were born, to be exact," Bassius explains.  "On Dantooine."

"You see, Kala was..." he then pauses.







"...your mother's apprentice," Redwind interjects.







Shocked to hear that his mother was a Jedi, Rykrof finds himself speechless as he attempts to get a better look at Redwind's concealed face.

"She left the Jedi Order for a short time after meeting your father.  While the Council did not approve of her personal choice, she was accepted back into the Order after you were born," Redwind explains.







"As a young child, your ability with the Force was evaluated," Bassius then tells him.







"But your mother's gift was not passed on."







"A young Jedi named Innoril betrayed the Order after she returned.  Upon slaying two Jedi; one of which was my Master, he fled to Dantooine..."







"A group of Jedi were sent after to him to bring him to justice, including myself and Kala... we had both just been knighted. 

Your mother was in charge of the mission and wanted to ensure that Kala and I did not attempt to face Innoril on our own."







"Innoril knew very well the purpose of our mission:  to disarm him and bring him back to the Jedi Council to stand trial for what he did."







"The senior Jedi moved in first."







"But the Force was with Innoril that day..."







"...we never stood a chance."







"After the two Masters fell, your mother realized that she had only one option...

She drew her saber..."







"...knowing it would give Kala and myself time to flee."







"Fear was Innoril's ally..."







"Before we fled, we watched briefly as she battled her adversary."







"Valiantly she fought..."







"...making the ultimate sacrifice so that we may live."

"Kala vowed to protect the Enloe family after that day."







"Your mother loved you dearly... but your father chose to distance you from the Jedi, and shield you from the truth about what happened to her." 







"I... I don't know what to say," Rykrof says, holding back his emotions.
"Whatever happened to this ...Innoril?"







"Innoril was later struck down by dissidents on Dantooine," Tulo says.  "He died soon after our encounter with him."

"I never knew any of this," Rykrof says.
"You know... I have a son named Caldin..."






"Then there is a direct bloodline from your mother... he should be tested," Redwind points out.







"No," Rykrof shakes his head. 
"Not now anyway.  My wife has been through too much since the war broke out."







"What you've just told us changes everything, Rykrof.  Is Kala aware of this?" Bassius asks.

"Of course," Rykrof admits.







"Given this information and the considerable strength of the Separatist army on Rhen Var, you really should be with your wife and son," Bassius warns. 
"I can't stop you from taking part in the assault on Rhen Var, but I do advise against it... we must now part ways."







"I see," Rykrof says.  "But tell me - where do you think Kala is?"







"We do not know.  But when we find him, he will return with us to Coruscant," Bassius says. 







"Or we'll be forced to kill him."

Wow those are lame!

I have a feeling the Armadillo rehash is just "extra" stuff Hasbro is adding to the line, like they did with Transformers.

For those that have continued reading this series, thanks for your support... here is Chapter 23, Revelations.













Despite the growing fears of a Separatist invasion of Naboo, the Republic is able to spare the small planet only one cruiser for protection, the Tempest. 






On the surface, the entire capital of Theed has been put on lockdown as the commander of the Naboo garrison, Brennan Kiltu, has focused his resources to arresting Rykrof Enloe.






"It's unthinkable," Governor Sio Bibble argues with the commander.

"Rykrof Enloe is one this planet's greatest sons.  I fear we are making a terrible mistake," he laments.






"We have every reason to believe that Enloe is in league with the Badoo Corba," Kiltu says snidley.

"He was seen meeting with Badoo Corba infiltrators at Otoh Osakaar.  Once he is in custody, he is to be transferred to Tempest for immediate interrogation."






Meanwhile, a pair of clone troopers guard the quarantined Enloe homestead.

"Do you know what Commander Enloe did?" JT-46 asks his counterpart.






"Negative," the other trooper replies. 

"But we have our orders.  If he shows up here take him into custody."






Meanwhille, Rykrof and his friend, Freelo, observe the homestead from a safe distance.






"I'm not seeing any troops," Rykrof says.

"But they might be waiting inside for us."






"Wait a second," he continues.

"I can see two of them now."






"Caldin and Alyssa better be alright," Rykrof says bitterly.






"Ralbarr won't let anything happen to them," Freelo says helpfully as he receives the macro binoculars.

"I'm more worried about those Badoo Corba terrorists we ran into!"






"I'm worried about those rats too," Rykrof admits.

"But first I have to get back to the house to make sure they're safe." 






"This whole thing's a trap," Rykrof then points after considering his options.

"...getting in there's not going to be easy.  And we don't have time.  We really need to take down Kiltu and stop the Badoo Corba."






"Hey!  Look who it is!" Freelo says as a military speeder approaches their location.






"Palom and Sergeant Kraist!"






"Be ready for anything," Rykrof says as he cautiously watches the clone sergeant exit the speeder with Palom.






"Rykrof, I explained to Sergeant Kraist the situation," Palom says.

"I wasn't aware that he served with you on Spahl VII..."






"Commander Enloe, as always I am at your service," the loyal trooper reports.






"It's been a while, my friend," Rykrof says thankfully. 

"What can you tell me about my family?  Are they safe?"






"You're family is under quarantine by two squads of Kiltu's troops," Kraist informs him. 

"But I can assure you that they are in no danger."






"Rykrof," Palom interrupts, "What are we going to do?"






"Kiltu is behind all of this," Rykrof says.

"He must have worked out a deal with the Badoo Corba... someone or something on Naboo is their target... we need to get to Kiltu as quickly as possible.  It's the only way we can stop their plan." 






Soon after, Commander Kiltu informs the governor he has received word that Rykrof has been taken into custody.






"This is a sad day for all of Naboo," Bibble says stoically. 

"And for the Republic."






"Rykrof," Kiltu then says snidely as he greets his visitor.






"Good afternoon, Commander," Rykrof replies darkly, concealing a drakken crafted daggar.






Before Kiltu can respond, Rykrof suddenly lunges towards him, revealing the weapon!






"Trooper!" Bibble exclaims, "Stop him!  Do your job!"






"Sir, I am," Sergeant Kraist stiffly responds; allowing Rykrof to continue the attack on Commander Kiltu!






"Who are you working for?" Rykrof growls. 

"WHY ARE THE BADOO CORBA HERE?"






"I don't know what you're talking about," Kiltu insists as Rykrof slams him into the far wall.






"You are going to tell me right here and right now, WHY THE BADOO CORBA ARE HERE, AND WHY YOU'RE HELPING THEM !" Rykrof demands.






"He already said he doesn't know what you're talking about!" Sio Bibble urges; begging Rykrof to stop.

"Even if you're right, you can't carry out an interrogation without due process!"






"There isn't time for due process," Sergeant Kraist retorts.






"Every second the Badoo Corba are out there, more people are in danger!" Rykrof yells, ignoring the governor.

"You know what they did to me Kiltu, and what I'm capable of doing to YOU to get the information I need."






To Kiltu's horror, Rykrof begins to drive the dagger into his eye socket!

"NO!  NO!  STOP!!!  It's SENATOR AMIDALA they're after!"






"You got in the way," he cries.  "I had to try and stop you... it's Senator Amidala they want..."

"It was the only way I could prevent the Separatists from attacking the planet... she has to be sacrificed..."






Shocked, Rykrof drops Kiltu to the floor with a thud.

"Padme?  I thought Senator Amidala was on Coruscant?"






"Commander Kiltu... what have you done?"  Sio Bibble asks in disbelief.






"She's at her lake retreat," Kiltu says as Sergeant Kraist takes him away.

"Her comm link is off... she's most likely already dead."






"Governor, put out a red alert that the quarantine is to stay in effect until this situation is resolved," Rykrof says.

"I'll take a squad to Senator Amidala's retreat and get her out of there."

 




Minutes later, Freelo and Palom find Rykrof assembling a team of troops.

"They're after Senator Amidala?" Freelo asks upon learning of Rykrof's plan.






"That's what Kiltu claims," Rykrof explains. 

"He may be lying," he continues.  "But we can't take any chances.  Get back to the homestead and inform Alyssa.  And make sure everyone's safe!"






Back at Rykrof's home, the clone troopers have been informed of the turn of events.






"Freelo!"  Alyssa exclaims.  "Where's my husband?  What's going on?"

"One minute we're told that Rykrof's wanted for treason, the next he's leading the garrison on some rescue mission?"






"It's Commander Kiltu," Freelo says.  "He's a traitor!  He set Rykrof up!"






"GRBAAAHHHH!!!" Ralbarr growls.






"Don't blame me," Freelo argues.

"I'm merely explaining that..."






"Quit arguing!" Alyssa yells sharply, cutting him off.

"Where's Rykrof going?"






"It appears the Badoo Corba have targeted Senator Amidala," Palom interjects.

"Rykrof's leading a team to escort her to safety."






"Sir, my men are ready to assemble and assist Commander Enloe," Captain Bune says.






"No, keep your troops here.  The Badoo Corba have a history with Rykrof and may be targeting his family too," Palom insists.

"We need you to stay here."






"So he's up to his neck in another mess with those terrorists," Alyssa sighs.






"There's really nothing to worry about," Freelo says as he picks up Caldin.






"Nothing to worry about?" Alyysa asks sarcastically.






"He's quite resourceful," Freelo explains.






"For a human being."






Meanwhile, Rykrof's team searches Padme Amidala's retreat for the senator.






"There's no one inside sir," one trooper reports.






"She's got to be here somewhere," Rykrof says.

"Not if the Badoo Corba got to her first," Sergeant Kraist points out.






"Thank the Maker," a golden protocol droid suddenly exclaims as it emerges from an apparent hiding place. 

"I'm saved from those filthy creatures!  Nasty Rodians!"






"Oh my, where are my manners?" the droid asks itself aloud.

"I am See-Threepio, human-cyborg relations," the droid proudly announces.






"And this is my counterpart, Artoo-Detoo."






"The Rodians were here?  Do you know where Senator Amidala is?" Rykrof asks urgently.






"Yes, they were just here searching for her.  But they were too late.  Miss Padme had already left for the Secluded Gardens with..."






"How do we get to the gardens from here?" Rykrof asks, cutting him off.

"The Secluded Gardens are approximately one point two kilometers northeast of the estate," See-Threepio informs him.  "I'm afraid she's turned off her commlink.  She asked to not be disturbed."






"Alright, let's go!" Rykrof orders his troops.






"Well, they're on their way," the protocol droid says.






"Between the two of us, I believe Miss Padme is in considerable danger!"






Nearby, Senator Padme Amidala enjoys the peaceful, quite environment of the Secluded Gardens. 

"Away from Coruscant; away from the war," she thinks to herself with a smile. 






Suddenly, a clone trooper interrupts the peaceful scene!






"What is the meaning of this?" she demands as she finds herself face to face with Rykrof.

"You shouldn't keep your whereabouts so secretive from security, Senator," Rykrof scolds. 






"We need to get you to back to the palace where it's safe," he continues.

"Safe?  What's going on?  I'm..."






A laser blast then rips through the chest of one of Rykrof's troopers!






Rykrof immediately spots the source of the blast - the warrior he had encountered at Otoh Osakaar!






"Son of a bitch!" Rykrof yells as he attempts to shield Padme from the attack.

"They're here!  Protect the Senator!"






The clone troopers attempt to quickly regroup...






...but flanked by the Rodian thugs, the warrior presses on the attack!






A second trooper then falls to enemy fire!






"Behind you!" Padme screams, just as Rykrof quickly spins around and blasts an approaching Rodian terrorist through the skull!


 



"Commander, look!" Sergeant Kraist yells above the blaster fire.






Rykrof can barely believe his eyes as he watches Anakin Skywalker emerge from the forest, slicing a limb from one of the terrorists!






The warrior quickly turns his attention to the young Jedi...






...but Anakin is too skilled for the warrior, and evades his attack!






The young Jedi then calls upon the Force, slamming a pulse of energy into him!






The warrior collapses to the ground; instantly knocked unconscious.






"That's all of them Sir," Sergeat Kraist reports.






"I didn't expect to see you here," Rykrof then says to Anakin.







"But now I can see why you kept your visit back home under the radar," Rykrof says as he turns to the young woman; realizing she and Anakin have a secret relationship.

"But it's foolish to keep security in the dark of your whereabouts.  Everyone thought you were still on Coruscant."






"Everyone but Commander Kiltu," Anakin replies.






"Kiltu made a deal with the Trade Federation Viceroy..." Rykrof informs him. 

"...allow for a terrorist strike team to assassinate the Senator, or Naboo will face a full scale attack by the droid armies of the Trade Federation."






"I can't believe Kiltu..." Padme begins to say.

"Come on," Anakin says as he comforts his love.  "None of this is your doing."






Rykrof then approaches the warrior; who has begun to stir.






"I'm sorry it came to this, my friend," the warrior tells him.






"Friend?"  Rykrof snaps.

"What gives you reason to refer to me as a friend?"






"It's me," the warrior says.

He removes his helmet, revealing the face of Rykrof's old friend, Traedon Cusiro.






Later that evening, the sun begins to set as the Badoo Corba have been rounded up and defeated.






"You're going to have a lot of explaining to do," Rykrof tells Traedon before he is sent to Coruscant for trial.






"For what it's worth, I never intended for you to get involved in this," Traedon replies.

"If I wanted, you would have been dead yesterday at Otoh Osakaar.  But the target was Senator Amidala."






"How could you do this?" Rykrof asks.

"You were working for the Badoo Corba when I met you on Dathomir, weren't you?"






"I was trying to get off planet when the Separatists arrived, who were looking for you," Traedon admits.

"But I'm no terrorist.  I work for the highest bidder," Traedon boldy says.






"I should have shot you when I had the chance!" Rykrof says sharply.







"Rykrof, do yourself a favor," Traedon replies, changing the subject.

"Get Alyssa and Caldin off Naboo.  When the Badoo Corba find out what happened here, they'll go after your family.  And it won't be to take prisoners."






"Get him out of my sight," Rykrof then orders the troopers in disgust.






The troopers then escort Rykrof's former friend to his awaiting transport.






In disbelief of the betrayal of Traedon, Rykrof heads back to the palace, only to be greeted by Anakin.






"Commander Enloe," Anakin says kindly.

"I didn't thank you properly for your actions today."






"Don't mention it," Rykrof says.

"And don't worry; your secret is safe with me."






"Thank you. I was careless to leave her alone, even for a moment," Anakin continues.

"Commander, I will always be in debt to you," the young Jedi says.






"I meant to ask you earlier," Rykrof says as he changes the subject.

"Have you heard the where abouts of Master Kala Mly Shundi?"







"Last I heard, he was in the Outer Rim," he tells Rykrof.







"He hasn't reported back in quite some time," he admits.






"The Jedi Council is very concerned."






"I'm worried about him too," Rykrof says.






"And after what happened today, I'm worried more than ever for the future of the Republic."

Ok, I know this is just pure speculation... but I'd think that a few of us are going to be lucky and find a few Indy toys before the street date (5/1, right?).

By my past experience, Wal-Mart, TRU and Target are all pretty tight on street dates for launches of a new line like this.  I've heard of a few hiccups, but I doubt I'll be able to score anything at those locations.

In about a week or two though, I'm going to start checking K-Mart... they're the one retailer that I remember put out all their ROTS toys about 10 days early and sold them for a day, only to put them back in the stockroom when word got out that they were selling them too early.  I'm thinking a few K-Marts might have a similar slip on these too (they did for AOTC and EPI too in my area, but not to the point of them setting the entire section up like they did for ROTS).

I just saw this article... it's a bit disturbing, so don't say that I didn't warn you.  It's about a family who had a stillborn child, only to have the hospital misplace the poor baby.  Really an awful story, and an eye opener... check it out HERE.

This made me think, of how fortunate that I am to be a parent and have a healthy child.  I can't imagine how hard it is on anyone to lose an unborn child, but to have what happened to this family is just pure tragedy.   

Anyone else seen these in stores yet?  I've seen them at two different TRU stores in my area, and bought each figure. 

These figures are extremely detailed, and are just a bit larger scaled than Star Wars... rather than 3-3/4", I'd say they're based on 4" scale.  So it's pretty close.  They don't have great articulation, and kind of remind me of McFarlane stuff.  Still, very cool and most of the characters come with an animal too, called a daemon.  I'm not sure what a daemon is, but there is a wolf, a cat, a rabbit, a warthog, a crow, etc.  Very detailed animals - better than Schleich I think.  These are priced at $5.99 each.

Most I'm going to use for customs, but I'll try and post a couple pics of some of the figures that I haven't taken apart yet.  But for reference to see how nice the head sculpts are, here's a figure's head that I put onto a Padme figure -

I have finally completed the last of the remakes of the Rykrof Enloe series...

This redo took me quite a bit longer to complete... this chapter focuses primarily on Chancellor Palpatine and the roots of Rebellion; includes the "canon" death of a well known character, as well as the hint of what is to occur in Chapter 22 - which will be the first new chapter in this series in nearly two years.

I hope you enjoy this chapter, and I apologize for the delay in getting it complete... thoughts/comments/questions as always are welcome.














It is a dark time throughout the galaxy. 

The Clone Wars have spread like fire, pitting two of the largest armies in the history of the Republic against each other...






...clone soldiers of the Republic on the side of the Jedi;






...armies of droids bolstering the Confederate war machine.






Both sides have scored significant victories over the other...






...at different times during the war either has seemed likely to triumph.






As the conflict continues to escalate, Republic Commander Rykrof Enloe has undergone extensive treatments on Coruscant to heal wounds inflicted upon him during his imprisonment by terrorists on Yinchorr.

 




The days in recovery seemed sort of a dream, a phantasmal prison from which he would never awaken. 

During this time Rykrof remembered how until recently the Republic had glittered, been the centerpiece of hope and prosperity… before the dark times; before the Clone Wars.






But even before the Clone Wars he had fought the terrorists of Badoo Corba for the better part of a decade... 

...with the war effort now being concentrated against the Confederacy, the threat of terrorism had become an afterthought to the Galactic Senate; organizations such as the Badoo Corba free to gain strength and no longer vulnerable.






After his final treatment, rest and debriefing with Republic Intelligence, Rykrof is greeted by his friend, Freelo.

"You look terrible," Freelo tells him gleefully. 






"Where is everyone?" Rykrof asks, ignoring the inopportune comment by his often clumsy friend.

"Ralbarr went to Naboo to watch over Alyssa and Caldin," Freelo says.






"...nobody knows where Kala is."






"What do you mean nobody knows?" Rykrof asks sharply.






"He went looking for you," Freelo tells him innocently.

"Why are you in such a hurry?" he asks as he follows the commander out of the facility.






"Chancellor Palpatine has requested to speak with me at a social gathering immediately," Rykrof tells him.

"Whatever he has to say, it shouldn't take long."






Soon Rykrof arrives at a nearby senatorial drink lounge, where some of the most elite Republic Senators often enjoy a late night beverage.






"Good to see you Commander Enloe," Peace Officer Hinge Ofile greets him.

"Chancellor Palpatine has been expecting you."






As Rykrof enters the lounge, he quickly finds the bar.






"Hey there Scruffy Lookin'," the sultry waitress says in a suggestive tone.






"See anything you like?"






"Perhaps," Rykrof says with a grin.

"But for now just make it a double shot Correlian whiskey-bomb."






"Strong stuff," the young woman says as she fills his glass.






"Are you sure you can handle it?"






"Wait, I recognize you," she says. 

"You're that guy who was on the holo net!  You were captured by terrorists!"






"Thanks for the reminder," Rykrof replies sarcastically.






Scanning the lounge, Rykrof spots Chancellor Palpatine speaking with his senior administrative aide, Sly Moore.






"Commander Enloe," Palpatine smiles cheerfully. 

"How good of you to join me on such short notice.  I trust you have fully recovered from your injuries?"

"Yes, I’m fine Chancellor," Rykrof replies as Palpatine's aide leaves the two freely to speak in private. 






"Excellent.  Now tell me, I understand you had help on the inside on your escape.  Is this true?" Palpatine asks.

"Yes it is," Rykrof tells him. 

"One of them helped me escape.  Unfortunately he was killed in the process."






"I would have liked to have spoken with the one who helped you escape," Palpatine laments. 

"But how did all of this transpire?  What did you learn on Kobridor?"






"As I'm sure you know, the Quarren we were sent to find was already dead," Rykrof tells him.






"Right after this discovery I was captured by the Badoo Corba.  The entire mission was a trap."






"My wife was captured and used as bait; I was forced to surrender myself over to them," Rykrof explains. 






"After my wife was released, I attempted to escape on my own..."






"...but never would have made it off the facility without help.  His name was Judiss."






"As he was shot down, I narrowly escaped off Yinchorr."






"Well, we are fortunate to have you back in one piece," the Chancellor says with a smile.

"We all know the threat the Badoo Corba bring to the table.  In some ways they may be a bigger threat than even the Separatists... they abide by no laws; there are no limits to what they will do to accomplish their goals.  This makes them extremely dangerous."






"Now... I must apologize for being so forward with you," Palpatine says. 

"But what did you hope to accomplish by allowing yourself to be captured?  Don’t you think it would have been wiser to try and draw the Badoo Corba leadership out into the open?"






"With all do respect Sir, what was I to do differently?" Rykrof asks in a bitter tone. 

"You know the policy of the Republic is to not negotiate with terrorists.  And that is exactly what you did on Kobridor," Palpatine swiftly counters.






"Nevertheless, I’m sure you did what you felt you had to," he then admits to Rykrof. 

"I hear your wife was not very accommodating in her interrogation after your capture... Also I would like to point out that Yinchorr was not one of the stations listed on the data cylinders you brought back months ago from your mission to Dathomir."






"Well they have more terror cells than any of us thought," Rykrof says. 

"But I still think it would be best to follow up on the leads we have."






"Each and every one will be followed up on; I assure you of that," Palpatine says.

"But the reason I called you here was to tell you in person that you are being granted a leave of absence.  Go home to Naboo.  It’s what you need.  You will be notified when I need your assistance."






"You can't possibly be serious," Rykrof laughs.

"This isn’t a request, Commander.  It’s an executive order," the old man sharply replies.

"It’s possible you have been through more than any other officer since the onset of the war; you need some time away."






"Arrangements have already been made for your departure in the morning," Palpatine continues before Rykrof can argue with him.

"Just remember that the time will come when the Republic needs you again.  Enjoy your time with your family.  Now if you'll excuse me, I have other guests."






As one of Palpatine's admirers enters the room, Rykrof makes his way back to the crowd in the center lounge. 

Although he is relieved for being granted an extended leave, he feels as though the Chancellor was unusually sharp with him; almost contemptuous with his orders.






Pushing the thought to the back of his mind, he dreams of being back home.

After all, the taste of a quality inebriant can make any man want to head for the mountains of Naboo.






As Rykrof heads towards the exit, he is approached by an old friend; Senator Tame Heem of Ithor.

"Rykrof," the mild mannered Ithorian says, "It is so good to see you.  I have been praying for your recovery since you made it back to Coruscant."

"Happy I'm here.  Nothing beats the free life," Rykrof says with a grin.






"Have you been granted your leave of absence?" Tame asks.

"You haven't been home with your family in so long!"






"Yes, just now as a matter of fact," Rykrof informs him.  "At least until the Chancellor tells me my vacation's over."






In the corner of the room, Senators Bail Organa and Mon Mothma listen in on the discussion.

"That's Rykrof Enloe," Mon says.  "I've heard very good things about him."






"From what I hear he's the luckiest officer in the Republic."

"We should make contact with him," Mon suggests.  "To get to know where his true loyalties lie; with the people or with the current leadership."






"I don't think the day he gets out of rehab is the day for it," Bail replies. 

"But soon."






The residents of the Senatorial District wake up to a gloomy, overcast morning the following day as the sun refuses to break free from the clouds.






Prior to their departure to Naboo, Rykrof decides to fill in Freelo with details from his conversation with Palpatine the night before.






"Well you have to follow his orders," Freelo muses.  "You're just an officer."






"Thanks for clearing that up for me, Freelo.  But I'm telling you, something about the Chancellor isn't right.  I can't put my finger on it," Rykrof argues.



 


"It sounds to me like you're just trying to avoid your wife," Freelo counters.






"I'm being serious, Fish Face," Rykrof grumbles as he raises his arm.






"You wouldn't hit me," Freelo taunts.

"I'm the only one of your friends who even came back to see you out of recovery!"






"Enloe!" a deep, gravely voice from behind the two suddenly bellows.






Startled, Rykrof and Freelo see a strange Ithorian staring at them.

 




"He knows your name," Freelo whispers; stating the obvious.

"Keep quite," Rykrof warns.

"I'll handle this."






"So it is you," the Ithorian says.

"We've been waiting forever for you to get off that rock!" he laughs.






A cloaked figure then emerges; a face Rykrof has not seen for a long time.

"Hello, Rykrof," a familiar voice greets him.






"Finis!  Finis Valorum!  Am I glad to see you," Rykrof says warmly.

"Rykrof, I'm embarrassed to have to appear this way," Valorum replies sadly. 

"But I can't risk being recognized by the wrong people these days.  Not by Palpatine, not even by anyone in the military outside of you."






"What about by them?" Freelo asks, gesturing behind Valorum.






As he turns around, Valorum quickly realizes he has been followed.






"You," the lead clone officer orders. 

"Let me see your identification!"






"Stand back; this doesn't concern you," another clone warns the Ithorian.






"Why do you need to see my identification?" Valorum demands. 






"I am Commander Rykrof Enloe of the 334th Siege Battalion, and this is man is my uncle," Rykrof interjects. 






"Our apologies, we didn't realize you were back Commander," the officer replies. 

"Carry on with your business," he then says to Valorum.






The group then watches on as the trio of clone troopers continues their patrol.






"That was close," Freelo says with a sigh.






"I had no idea the two of you were related," Freelo then jokes.






Rykrof then explains to Valorum in detail his conversation with Palpatine.






After listening carefully to what Rykrof has told him, Valorum gives Rykrof a dark warning about the Chancellor.

"You must beware of Palpatine, Rykrof.  He may appear to be on your side but don’t trust him.  He's not your friend," Valorum insists. 

"His only intention is to continue to gain more power."






"After you arrive on Naboo, I will contact you on a secure channel," Valorum informs him.

"We have much to discuss; when we can meet in privacy I will  introduce you to Senator Bail Organa."






"May the Force be with you," Valorum says as he and the Ithorian walk away.






"What just happened?" Freelo asks.

"Obviously Finis still blames Palpatine for his fall from grace," Rykrof tells him.






"But he has good reason to not trust the Chancellor," Rykrof continues.

"I'm beginning to doubt the Chancellor's intentions myself... we need to get moving though Freelo, or we'll miss our transport."






Soon after, Rykrof and Freelo dissent from the planet.






The following morning, several tramp freighters load their cargo and passengers in preparation for departure.






"You can't leave Finis!" Bail Organa asserts. 

"I've become convinced much of what you claim about Palpatine is true... all of it is true.






"Listen to me, both of you," Valorum says.

"I'm going back out on the rim, you must take the lead here.  I am tainted in the eyes of too many here on Coruscant to ever be effective in the Senate again... but I will help you... what I learn out there, I'll make sure you know."






"Do you honestly think we can prevent Palpatine from taking absolute control of the Senate?" Bail asks.

"Do you really think this is a battle we can win, Finis?"






"Some fights must be fought whether you believe you can win them or not," Valorum replies.

"Watch yourselves.  Be careful whom you trust."






"May the Force be with us," he says as he walks toward the freighter, Star of Iskin.






As the freighter leaves the spaceport, the two continue to discuss the situation.






"I believe him," Mon Mothma says to Bail.

"We'll need someone to be our voice in the Senate... we need your eloquence, Bail."






"Who listens to me anymore?" Bail asks as he watches the ship depart.

"...what in the name of the Force..."






As the two watch in horror, the Star of Iskin explodes; killing everyone on board!







Meanwhile, far across the galaxy, a dark plot begins to unfold on the Separatist controlled planet known as Kobridor...







Meeting in secret with an agent of the Badoo Corba, Separatist General Snodd cautiously approaches the designated conclave area where he has granted the Badoo Corba access to.







"General Snodd, please accept greetings from my master," an outdated TG droid churns.

"Enough with the pleasantries.  Where is he?" General Snodd asks.






"Right behind you, General," the Gran terrorist bellows.

"You take a great risk meeting with me over such matters."






"As do you," Snodd refutes to Troffar the Terrible.

"Mubaas would have your head if he were made aware of this exchange."






"He is no longer capable of leading the Badoo Corba," Troffar growls.






"Once we have the supplies you have promised us, there will be a change of leadership in this organization."






"The hyper-matter seismic detonators will be delivered in full once we have irrefutable proof of the success of the mission," Snodd informs him.

"You will receive twenty five percent of the shipment once your assassin successfully arrives on the surface undetected.  Only once the assassination has been completed will you receive the remainder of the detonators."






"An agent has already infiltrated the Naboo Defense Corps," Troffar snarls.







"He will see to it that the assassin arrives on Naboo undetected..."







"...at which point the target will be eliminated once and for all."






Meanwhile, Rykrof and Freelo's ship exits hyperspace...






...entering the Naboo system.



TO BE CONTINUED...